tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7982036925364838552018-02-21T18:47:28.831+00:00Mama Mummy MumA little about me alot about my kidsMamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.comBlogger2153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-18331749732519286842018-02-21T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-21T06:00:43.468+00:00The River Book Review<div style="text-align: justify;">Over the years I have seen plenty of picture books based around animals, what they are, where they come from etc. However I don't recall any stories specifically based on fish, to be more specific, fish migration. Patricia Hegarty seems to have spotted this gap in the market and along with illustrator Hanako Clulow, they have created a tale all about one fish on what can only be described as an epic journey as she travels down the river.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnWZPe65jV8/WnQts-cYWTI/AAAAAAAASiI/g5UTssyXymoBBH_qOa_oOO5EK3P5EEE8QCLcBGAs/s1600/the-river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-river" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vnWZPe65jV8/WnQts-cYWTI/AAAAAAAASiI/g5UTssyXymoBBH_qOa_oOO5EK3P5EEE8QCLcBGAs/s640/the-river.jpg" title="the-river" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>In snow-capped mountains, among the firs, the north wind blows; something stirs. Through icy water, a small fish darts - This is where her journey starts...</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The River is actually quite a simple book but I think that is what makes it so effective. It begins in those snowy mountains and we see through a peep hole a small fish lurking in the water. What caught my attention immediately was the pictures themselves. The colours aren't too bright and there isn't too much going on, this gives the reader a chance to enjoy what's on the page. We get an idea as to what animals live in colder conditions and this opens up the discussion as to what other animals you might find in the snow.</div><a name='more'></a><br />Something that I know will please a lot of children is the hint of glitter on the little fish. It adds a touch of sparkle and I believe makes the fish stand out and being the main focus of the story I can see just why this has been done. Lets be honest who doesn't love a bit of shimmer and shine, that extra attention to detail makes the book magical somehow. The first thing my 5 year old wanted to do was stroke the fish, so it actually gave it an interactive quality.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With each page turned you get to go along with the fish for each stage of her trip as she swims through varying climates. And with each image comes new animals to discover and learn about, from deers to beavers, from owls to geese. There is a lovely variety with each scene of nature that we are introduced to and what makes this book more unique is that it's not just the typical animals that you tend to find in a lot of picture books these days.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Through different weathers, night and day, this tiny fish carries on travelling regardless and with simple rhyming text add to the beautiful illustrations her journey is bought to life. And of course we aren't just learning about the fish, we're also getting the chance to gain knowledge on the river itself. Rapids running fast and slow, the effects that light and dark have on its appearance and then of course the fact that a river can change into something bigger, a sea or even an ocean.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a real gentleness to the tale, you get a sense of tranquility and quiet magic as you turn the pages. The River enables little ones to begin exploring nature from the safety of their home, pulling them in and creating scenes that are wonderfully entrancing, where will the fish move to next. It makes you feel as though you could be swimming down river too, it is the sort of journey pefect for young children to embark on.</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-35804690330370865972018-02-19T00:00:00.000+00:002018-02-19T06:49:44.059+00:00Read With Me 2018 #7<div style="text-align: justify;">Hello and welcome to this weeks Read With Me, I hope you are all well! With half term last week I only managed to finish one book.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuKjMoXBR84/WoFf7lFq10I/AAAAAAAASkU/nsH6orxen9clVLnlWkjA5hzsZd8SvMcngCLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="read-with-me-badge" border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="200" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zuKjMoXBR84/WoFf7lFq10I/AAAAAAAASkU/nsH6orxen9clVLnlWkjA5hzsZd8SvMcngCLcBGAs/s400/readwithme2.jpg" title="read-with-me" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I keep forgetting that I've set myself a target for one book a week so I shouldn't be disappointed at one book but I'm so used to reading more that it is hard to break the habit.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My favourite post last week came from Carole with her review of the book, <a href="https://caroleheidi.com/2018/02/17/the-exact-opposite-of-okay-book-review/">The Exact Opposite of Okay.</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On to the link up. Newbies do look at the <a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html">Read With Me page</a>, regulars get linking (max of 2 posts/videos), comment on a couple of other posts and perhaps consider displaying my badge of linking back somehow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Read With Me" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" title="Read With Me" width="200" /></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #650777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html" title="Read With Me"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" alt="Read With Me" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /></textarea></pre><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Happy reading</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&amp;owner=MamaMummyMum&amp;postid=12Feb2018&amp;meme=11684" type="text/javascript"></script>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-28915829564431065602018-02-18T00:00:00.000+00:002018-02-18T00:00:28.612+00:00My Sunday Photo 2018 #7 <div style="text-align: justify;">I shared a bunch of flowers with you a couple of weeks ago and here they are now that the rest of them have bloomed. One of my favourite colours at the moment. I've decided that I'm going to try and buy a new bunch of flowers every fortnight or so as they have a clever way of brightening my mood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onRW9Clbycg/WngcwTYZMJI/AAAAAAAASi0/2l4ppRU_7sEwHzktLiJNzoIfSV9Z8QVDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flowers-in-bloom" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-onRW9Clbycg/WngcwTYZMJI/AAAAAAAASi0/2l4ppRU_7sEwHzktLiJNzoIfSV9Z8QVDgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8487.JPG" title="flowers-in-bloom" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-34329045443064409912018-02-16T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-16T07:43:24.535+00:00Half Term, Cinema Trips and Family Time #LittleLoves<div style="text-align: justify;">I have been on count down for this week for what seems like forever, well you know since the kids went back to school after Christmas. Tell me I am not the only one who does that? I'm a parent that seriously misses their kids when they go back to education after the holidays, I crave the family time, even if it is just sitting indoors watching films together. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to just enjoy each others company.<br /><br />So this half term started off fairly lazy, a lot of Netflix and a fair amount of junk food. Did anyone else make a point of grabbing themselves a Big Mac. As soon as I saw them advertised I was instantly craving one. On Saturday we were like a family of Big Macs with the adults eating the Grand Macs, the two eldest eating normal Big Macs and the little ones chomping on their Junior Macs and let me tell you, they were well worth the calories consumed!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As good as those Big Macs were, they didn't make it on to my list for this weeks Little Loves so read on to see just what could beat those burgers....<br /><br /><b>Read</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll admit my reading slowed down this week, I was having too much fun with the kids. A novel I didn't mention last week was Turtles All the Way Down by John Green. An author that I really rate, this story was just as good as his previous books. It's sort of a mix of genre as in one hand it is a coming of age story and on the other hand it covers another subject, one that I'll let you read for yourself as it would take away from the impact if I shared it now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aFN1fULtDs/WoFSgOBKIaI/AAAAAAAASkE/DLzQcrfOsiwEwSJcO3p3kk570BGAXpEDgCLcBGAs/s1600/turtles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="turtles-all-the-way-down" border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="685" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aFN1fULtDs/WoFSgOBKIaI/AAAAAAAASkE/DLzQcrfOsiwEwSJcO3p3kk570BGAXpEDgCLcBGAs/s640/turtles.jpg" title="turtles-all-the-way-down" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One book that I have been slowly making my way through is one I was lucky enough to receive through Netgalley. To Kill a Kingdom is a world of fantasy filled with mermaids, sirens and royalty. It's one of those novels that you can totally sink into the worlds created and find yourself lost within them. This is a genre that I really enjoy, nothing too serious and also one that I can share with my kids too.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On my list of TBR books right now I have Sunshine &amp; Secrets by Daisy James, watch out for that review coming up on the blog.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Watched</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm a person that doesn't go to the cinema very often so how is it that I managed to go to the cinema twice in one week? My first outing was to watch Fifty Shades Freed with my bestie. Ok these films are never going to win any Oscars but lets be honest that's not what we watch them for. I love a bit of Jamie Dornan although it would have been better if they'd let him keep his accent for the movies! This was just pure trashy escapism.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The other film that I went to watch, this time with the kids was The Greatest Showman. SO MANY people had told me just how good it was and that it was a must see so when our local cinema had it showing for £2.50 a ticket, I knew it was time I gave in and saw it. The girls and I can confirm it really is an amazing movie and the soundtrack is shall we say addictive. If you haven't seen it already then I highly recommend that you do so now.<br /><br /><b>Heard</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unsurprisingly I've heard a lot of The Greatest Showman soundtrack, my eldest favours it the most so it has been played on repeat in our house. It's that sort of feel good music that you can't help but sing along to.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The other thing I've heard a lot of is excited talk from my now eight year old. It was her birthday yesterday so for the majority of the week I've had a lot of birthday related questions. Have you made my cake yet, what have you bought me, what time are my friends coming round. And to accompany that was lots of girlie chatter when she had two of her friends sleeping round last night. Its so nice to see such close relationships formed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Made</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And in relation to above I did indeed get around to making her a birthday cake. At her request I attempted to make a rainbow unicorn cake. This took a lot of time and effort and no I'll never be a professional baker or cake decorator but she was happy with the result and in the end that's what counts. I was annoyed as I'd bought props to put on the cake but they didn't arrive in time, guess what cake the youngest will be getting on her birthday too ;)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBcjhbbfsjo/WoaLGONXGiI/AAAAAAAASk4/A9gZ_3Kw4UgczHaLhCs3obuuUtiYE5YNQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="unicorn-rainbow-cake" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBcjhbbfsjo/WoaLGONXGiI/AAAAAAAASk4/A9gZ_3Kw4UgczHaLhCs3obuuUtiYE5YNQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8551.JPG" title="unicorn-cake" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEDtV4JqwFA/WoaLH96NY0I/AAAAAAAASk8/_hBpp3xbKPIf2Glhb3hkFhTXhstmhFBhQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="unicorn-rainbow-cake" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yEDtV4JqwFA/WoaLH96NY0I/AAAAAAAASk8/_hBpp3xbKPIf2Glhb3hkFhTXhstmhFBhQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8552.JPG" title="unicorn-cake" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Being Valentine's this week I also made my husband's favourite cake, tiffin cake. With the assistance of my ten year old I 'attempted' to make a heart shaped one as well as a batch of normal ones. It sort of worked although it took time to get it out of the tin! And to add to the day I also made him his favourite meal of paella.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wore</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With the temperatures being super cold these past couple of weeks it has been all about the layers. I didn't look fashionable of glamorous in the slightest but what I was was cosy. Oversized jumpers, beanies and scarves have been my items of choice. Anyone else really wishing Spring/Summer would hurry up and make an appearance? I'm getting bored of wearing the same outfits all the time, I get the feeling that people think I can't afford to buy anymore clothes!<br /><br /><b>And lastly...</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This weekend I'll be heading up to Go Ape in Bedgebury with my husband and two of our friends. Last time I went to Go Ape I was overcoming a huge fear of heights. Now it wasn't some miraculous cure, if I'm honest I am super scared of going up into the trees again but I am also really excited to get out and do something different without the kids, a bit of adult time is really needed sometimes, you guys know what I mean.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Keep an eye out on my social channels for a discount code so that you can go ahead and book up your own day out with them.</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-32782269460230025672018-02-14T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-14T06:00:19.072+00:00The Red Dread Book Review<div style="text-align: justify;">My youngest two are still very much into picture books, they have their favourites that they'll tend to read over and over again but then every so often a book comes along that really grabs their attention and this is precisely what Tom Morgan Jones' debut picture books, The Read Dread has managed to do.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blF7LInURLU/WnLlTcFF0mI/AAAAAAAASh8/LJi1eVIU0cE2EW5SpdQyjV0ZvQaSruqgQCLcBGAs/s1600/the-red-dread-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-red-dread-book" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="399" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-blF7LInURLU/WnLlTcFF0mI/AAAAAAAASh8/LJi1eVIU0cE2EW5SpdQyjV0ZvQaSruqgQCLcBGAs/s640/the-red-dread-book.jpg" title="the-red-dread" width="638" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Thump thump... Thump thump... Thump thump... The Read Dread is on the loose! Is anyone safe?</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a book that is literally full of surprises. When you look at the front cover and ask the children what they think it could be about, they're replies are perhaps monsters, something spooky, it could be a little bit of a scary tale. The question we should all be asking is, "what is the red dread and just what does it want?".<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What immediately drew me into this book was the dialogue itself, very cleverly written, it makes you stop and think on every page and as you read it becomes sort of interactive because you can play along with the words. Of course the theme of the book is based around fear because of course you never know what could be lurking on the next page.<br /><br />The illustrations along with the words make this book rather humorous, it makes reading it easy, flowing at the perfect pace. Images is are bright and vivid, they add a certain energy to to the tale. It's the perfect story for reading out loud and with each piece of wording. There's a real anticipation that builds as you read, I think I was just as excited/apprehensive as my kids to find out just who or what the Read Dread might be.<br /><br /><i>He's eaten chicken too! Run for Your Lives!</i><br /><br />Having larger letters printed means that this would be an ideal book to read in schools, it would allow all the little ones to see the words that are being read to them and perhaps try to read along at the same time.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Now I won't spoil the ending for you but lets just say you need to expect the unexpected. Through all of the panic that increases throughout the story, there is a twist that is brilliant and will have your children chuckling with laughter.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What Tim Morgan Jones manages to do is get kids using their imaginations because a book is never just a book, it can be whatever you want it to be and as this tale plays out each reader will have their own thoughts on the Red Dread and in the end readers will come together to be in on the joke that sneakily plays out before their eyes.</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-79825613328411169032018-02-12T00:00:00.000+00:002018-02-12T00:00:40.380+00:00Read With Me 2018 #6 <div style="text-align: justify;">Hello and welcome again to another Read With Me linky. Thank you to everyone who linked up last week. We're now at the start of half term week here and I'm hoping to get the kids down to the library at some point, we don't get to go as often as we'd like any more with all of them in school these days.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bi2Ef_GTyA/WnrSADEcL3I/AAAAAAAASjs/Vs1fd7Dxo2YnkT-ypPGyNk-ZlyCNfeVsACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="read-with-me-badge" border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="200" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bi2Ef_GTyA/WnrSADEcL3I/AAAAAAAASjs/Vs1fd7Dxo2YnkT-ypPGyNk-ZlyCNfeVsACLcBGAs/s400/readwithme2.jpg" title="read-with-me" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I've been steadily making my way through the books that I got for my birthday although I'll admit I still have A LOT of novels still left to be read on my Kindle too. I find that I buy them but then quickly forget that they've been purchased, that is until I go to buy them again and Amazon kindly reminds me that I already bought them, anyone else do this?</div><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My favourite post last week came from Serenity You with her post of <a href="http://serenityyou.com/2018/01/my-january-book-reviews.html">what she read in January</a>, a lot of bookspiration in there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On to the link up. Newbies do look at the <a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html">Read With Me page,</a> regulars get linking (max of 2 posts/videos), comment on a couple of other posts and perhaps consider displaying my badge of linking back somehow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img alt="Read With Me" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" title="Read With Me" width="200" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="padding: 5px; text-align: justify;"></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: rgb(240, 240, 240); border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); color: #650777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0px 2px 5px; text-align: justify; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html" title="Read With Me"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" alt="Read With Me" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /></textarea></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Happy reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&amp;owner=MamaMummyMum&amp;postid=05Feb2018&amp;meme=11684" type="text/javascript"></script>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-22954948308784525722018-02-11T00:00:00.000+00:002018-02-11T00:01:00.800+00:00My Sunday Photo 2018 #6 <div style="text-align: justify;">Last Summer my husband took up a new hobby in the form of archery. He's become quite obsessed with it, spending every Sunday at a local club and today is actually his first competition. What has been nice about this new hobby is that my eldest has wanted to get involved too so it is something that they can actually do together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tMCEJjdyiU/WngeExDd2ZI/AAAAAAAASjQ/EHnYT6DVKKYspBklABlbrQF4MyZFFXUTwCLcBGAs/s1600/DQEPE5699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kids-archery" border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="1176" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2tMCEJjdyiU/WngeExDd2ZI/AAAAAAAASjQ/EHnYT6DVKKYspBklABlbrQF4MyZFFXUTwCLcBGAs/s640/DQEPE5699.JPG" title="kids-archery" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The above photograph is from last weekend when my daughter was getting some one on one training to get her started. The seven year old actually had a go as well and it was something that they both really enjoyed doing, helped by the fact that they had biscuits on hand at break times! When the warmer weather comes, it will be an activity they can partake in outdoors too, getting them outside away from the TVs and computers at home.<br /><br /><br /></div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-69552695704592106472018-02-10T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-10T13:26:49.712+00:00Getting Organised With BusyB <div style="text-align: justify;">Last year I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of <a href="https://busyb.co.uk/">BusyB</a>'s ambassadors for the year ahead. As well as being gifted some wonderful stationery, it also means that I get to share what I think about them with all of you guys, you'll get to see their latest product collections and get a real insight into the 'oh so clever' features that they have to offer. This month it's time to get organised with their new and improved pretty range.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Included in this range are diaries to delight you, pens to keep writing those all important lists and of course plenty of accessories which will fit into anyone's busy lives and keep them on track for each month of the year. You'll find it hard to resist as there as some gorgeous pastel shades with hints of gold and beautiful floral patterns that give each item a very elegant look. Because lets be honest the stationery should be as stylish as its owner!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This month I was kindly sent: <i>Mid Year Busy Life Diary, Mini Sticky Notes and Password Book</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZZR0frqnUs/WngdgCNwfFI/AAAAAAAASjA/bkI25pMfNBIdbA2nhjkmrub80bDBi_urwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="busyb-stationery" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZZR0frqnUs/WngdgCNwfFI/AAAAAAAASjA/bkI25pMfNBIdbA2nhjkmrub80bDBi_urwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8494.JPG" title="busyb-stationery" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can already highly recommend their mid-year diary as I've already owned two of them. Dated August to August, there are 13 months ready to be filled in. With week to week view, my favourite part is that there are two pages for every week. A dual schedule means you can have one side for day to day goings on and one side for more work related tasks and reminders.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's a pocket at the end of each month to keep paperwork, notes or perhaps invitations and a slot at the back of the diary to slot in those mini sticky notes, keeping them handy whenever needed. The diary is the perfect size for popping into your handbag so you never need forget anything ever again, ok you might if you have a memory like me but its a step in the right direction anyway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TJ7DD_zUeQ/WngdqT9tLUI/AAAAAAAASjE/ZjugqSL7Bmgrxc_iLtpvCyB-rhDzwQrnQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="busyb-diary" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TJ7DD_zUeQ/WngdqT9tLUI/AAAAAAAASjE/ZjugqSL7Bmgrxc_iLtpvCyB-rhDzwQrnQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8496.JPG" title="busyb-diary" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My favourite item this month has to be the password book. Lets be honest with the world of social media and everything being on the internet, I can't be the only one with an abundance of usernames and passwords to remember. Even my husband expects me to remind of his ones too, that's a lot of numbers, letters and symbols to keep stored. This discreet little book is most definitely the solution to that problem.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not tiny but compact, it is the ideal size to hide somewhere, in a desk drawer or in a pocket of your bag. Wherever you decide to stash it, it could be the answer to keeping your online life just as organised as your day to day life. It allows you to write down the website, username and password and it's even done in alphabetical order with certain pages for certain letters (oh they know me so well!). With no recognisable writing on the front people with have no idea what your little book is for.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3FmNuKqpKA/WngdySfGrjI/AAAAAAAASjI/2WiMdsNEje05SDoJ5FuTnTAc0thdSZpKQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="busyb-password-book" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G3FmNuKqpKA/WngdySfGrjI/AAAAAAAASjI/2WiMdsNEje05SDoJ5FuTnTAc0thdSZpKQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8495.JPG" title="busyb-password-book" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whatever your organisational problem, BusyB have you covered because they want your busy lives to be beautifully organised. Keep an eye out for future blogs, especially if you're planning a wedding as they also have a stunning new wedding range coming in the Spring. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing BusyB will have a range to make sure everything you need is perfectly remembered.</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-78118416258772738192018-02-09T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-09T06:00:34.654+00:00Archery, exercise and Planning Ahead #LittleLoves<div style="text-align: justify;">Here we are, another week almost over and I have to admit I'm quietly pleased with myself that I have managed to stick to writing my #LittleLoves each week, that is a little achievement in itself. I think this is helped in part by the fact that I've been making more of an effort to plan ahead. I'm a person that likes to be organised but with so many things going on for both myself, the husband and the kids I tend to forget an awful lot.<br /><br />This is where my love of stationery and my adoration of a good old list is really helping me at the moment. My BusyB diary has definitely been my saviour since the start of the year, allowing me to stay on top of things as I am able to write down everyone's bits and pieces in separate columns, I can't be the only one who has previously looked at things they've noted down and thought what the hell does that even say? And the bonus of my newly rediscovered organisation is that I have just a touch more me time which is always needed!<br /><br /><b>Read</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my favourite authors happens to be Tijan, not for everyone, it is what I'd describe as being in the genre of young adult but there are the odd scenes that are sexually orientated. Her latest release, Ryan's Bed was something a bit different and like with any of her stories, I read it in one sitting, devouring the words. It is books like these that just allow me to escape the world every so often as I get lost in the novel and oh my god the ending of this one was entirely unexpected and actually made me want to re-read it as it changed the perspective of the tale completely.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVFPejS8MBM/WnrRM5KfirI/AAAAAAAASjo/dvBZAOkIyjA8z51_ICKRxHJuqpIk1M44wCLcBGAs/s1600/ryans-bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ryans-bed" border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dVFPejS8MBM/WnrRM5KfirI/AAAAAAAASjo/dvBZAOkIyjA8z51_ICKRxHJuqpIk1M44wCLcBGAs/s400/ryans-bed.jpg" title="ryans-bed" width="250" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br />Another book that I read and thoroughly enjoyed was A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Bernard. I'm going to write a separate post for this one as I think it deserves a full review. It's one of those books that sticks with you long after you have finished reading it so I have chosen it as my book of the month for February. I now have Sara's other books in my Amazon basket ready to purchase when I get paid at the end of the month.<br /><br /><b>Watched</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A television programme that my husband and I have finally got around to watching is McMafia. Did anyone watch it when the BBC showed it earlier this year? Each episode is almost an hour long so I haven't felt the need to binge watch it, its like I need the time to process what has just happened before I continue with the next one but it's definitely worth viewing. Jam-packed with action and drama, it's not my normal choice of show to watch but I'm glad I gave it a go.<br /><br />Something else that I had the pleasure of watching on Sunday was two of my daughters partaking in some archery training. At the time I was wondering whether it was a wise idea to give them a bow and some arrows to shoot but they seemed to take to it with no problems, well except for shooting past the target and into a chair instead! They've watched their dad doing it so it was really nice that they wanted to join in with his hobby, gives them an activity to be able to do together and gets them away from You Tube!<br /><br /><b>Heard</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I must have an alright ear for music because a lot of the songs that I have been listening to lately were on channel 4's Sunday Brunch playlist last week. One song I've literally been playing on repeat happens to be another Justin Timberlake song, this time it is a duet call Say Something. It's one of those tunes that just comes across as powerful with lyrics that get you thinking as you sing along to them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my other favourite songs to listen to right now is a remixed Bruno Mars song, finesse. I mean who can resist a bit of Bruno Mars? He just has a vibe about him that automatically has you getting up and dancing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm one of these people that once I like a song I tend to play it over and over for a few weeks before I get bored of it and move onto something else but I'll then come back to these songs when my iPod throws them out in shuffle. I've been trying to put together a new workout playlist this week (I'm going to attempt to get out running again) and I can't actually decide what should be on there so any suggestions would be gratefully received.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wore</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I'm not at work I've recently decided that I love nothing better than wandering around in leggings and exercise bras, they are the highest of comfort and seen as I am exercising 5 days out of 7 they are like my home uniform of late. My favourite pair of leggings have to be new ones from <a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/2018/02/strong-not-skinny-hunkemoller.html">Hunkemoller</a>. For someone who used to despise the colour pink, I seem to have done a complete u-turn in the last couple of years as its a shade that pops up often in my wardrobe now.<br /><br />I also love all of the workout gear from Primark, not only because of the price although that is a huge factor but also because of its comfort and there's the fact that I can fit into the kids range too, hooray for being small as it means I can squeeze into age 13-14, this is also makes buying clothing in there even cheaper!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Made</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My ten year old got bought a baking set for her birthday a couple of weeks ago but we've all been so busy, on catch up from when we were poorly so she only just found the time to bake the cupcakes. What I love is that she's able to do it all by herself now, the only thing she can't do is turn the oven on as ours is a gas oven so it can be tricky to use. Even better there were six cup cakes which meant one for each of us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've now got to start thinking about making another birthday cake as it's the seven year old's birthday next week and she has requested a rainbow unicorn cake. I love making homemade cakes but I do wish they'd pick something slightly simpler on occasion. Although having made a rainbow cake a couple of years ago I at least know how much time I need in order to get it made without rushing. I've actually cheated on the unicorn part and bought props to stick in the cake well if they turn up in time, fingers crossed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>And lastly....</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With half term now upon us I have been trying to make plans for what to do with my brood next week. Holidays can be so expensive can't they so I'm hoping the weather holds out so we can at least have days out at the park so that I'm not having to spend too much money. What does everyone else have planned for the school holidays, are you staying at home or going away? Any inspiration you'd care to share in the comments below would be more than welcome.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-26460901078115260812018-02-07T06:30:00.000+00:002018-02-07T06:30:11.323+00:00Getting Strong not Skinny With Hunkemoller<div style="text-align: justify;">Since the new year I have been making a conscious effort to be more active and to step up my exercise routines. Not in a bid to lose weight, no I just want to be as healthy as I can be and part of that means working out. I'm in the mind set of strong not skinny and that's why this year I've decided to incorporate more weights into my routines and my goal now is to increase the weights that I can lift throughout the year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course part of exercising means wearing appropriate clothing. I've come to realise that there is nothing more comfortable than a pair of leggings and an exercise bra. No horrible underwire digging into your ribs and elasticated waist bands that are more than forgiving when your body betrays you and decides to make it look like you are carrying around a food baby inside of your stomach ( I can't be the only one that looks 6 months pregnant after eating certain foods?).<br /><br />On top of that trying to lift weights can be tricky at the best of times but when your hands get sweaty it makes it even harder to pick them up correctly and seen as it is important to keep good form, I don't want any injuries now do I, this means also investing in some good accessories too. The thing is I'm also one of these people that like my accessories to match what I'm wearing, even if no-one else is watching me while I exercise.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbTGqq6Jy4/Wngc-uEDOlI/AAAAAAAASis/7fdmsNgpjOo1ZglxdCCzdN7Qd5xzkV8mQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hunkemoller-dk1985" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jgbTGqq6Jy4/Wngc-uEDOlI/AAAAAAAASis/7fdmsNgpjOo1ZglxdCCzdN7Qd5xzkV8mQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8497.JPG" title="hunkemoller-dk1985" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was recently sent a couple of items from Hunkemoller's limited edition Doutzen Kroes sports collection, DK1985. I chose a pair of leggings and a set of training gloves. Honestly, the leggings are now my absolute favourite to wear when getting sweaty doing another HIIT workout. With a range of leggings, tops, bras, dresses in neutral blacks and greys and stylish pastel pink shades, even water bottles to keep up hydration. This collection is perfect for wearing any time whether for urban sports or street wear.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6MItEoV38U/Wngc5UsOgrI/AAAAAAAASio/0OkyaELNBf0B6jUORWPzgFNVDum0dk6mwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hunkemoller-dk1985-training-gloves" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k6MItEoV38U/Wngc5UsOgrI/AAAAAAAASio/0OkyaELNBf0B6jUORWPzgFNVDum0dk6mwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8498.JPG" title="hunkemoller-dk1985" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Even when working out, it is nice to stay stylish and this range of clothing is the perfect way to take you from the gym to out for lunch dates straight after. And lets be honest what better way to motivate you to exercise than getting to wear outfits like these. The neutral tones and colour blocked designs give a lovely slimming look. What you get are items that are both practical and fashionable at the same time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dsv7Sq3N8iU/Wngcpk5Fi_I/AAAAAAAASig/AfmWaVDTx4Mvm0F5x3czfStTz4sQtKvtwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hunkemoller-dk1985-workout" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dsv7Sq3N8iU/Wngcpk5Fi_I/AAAAAAAASig/AfmWaVDTx4Mvm0F5x3czfStTz4sQtKvtwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8503.JPG" title="hunkemoller-dk1985" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What I discovered after wearing the leggings and the gloves was that the items are indeed great for working out in. The material moves with ease as I continued through an exercise routine and they are true to size. I had a better grip on my weights which made for a much safer workout as well. My only problem being a petite person was that the leggings were on slightly on the long side but being black at the bottom I could roll them up a touch and to anyone else looking you'd never know the difference.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtjJDb4HrIQ/WngchIqf9QI/AAAAAAAASic/HRz2QmyU7l4QGrqI9gEnSD88nnmWKxxQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="hunkemoller-dk1985-leggings" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VtjJDb4HrIQ/WngchIqf9QI/AAAAAAAASic/HRz2QmyU7l4QGrqI9gEnSD88nnmWKxxQwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8504.JPG" title="hunkemoller-dk1985" width="640" /></a></div><br />Over all I was more than impressed, reasonably priced and modern, a good choice for anyone, whether you like to exercise or simply live for comfort. I think the only suggestion I have is to expand the range with more colourways as I know pink isn't everyone's favourite colour so perhaps other colours added in would entice more people to purchase the collection.&nbsp;</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-53957238207271423022018-02-05T00:00:00.000+00:002018-02-05T00:00:33.342+00:00Read With Me 2018 #5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Hello everyone, welcome to this weeks Read With Me, the first one in February! Thank you to everyone who linked up last week, as always very much appreciated.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpK_jb9w50A/Wm7SfMsDLnI/AAAAAAAASg8/WnGOHn5P3BMh52Jc4toUnXkDAfjWtHWzQCLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="read-with-me-badge" border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="200" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SpK_jb9w50A/Wm7SfMsDLnI/AAAAAAAASg8/WnGOHn5P3BMh52Jc4toUnXkDAfjWtHWzQCLcBGAs/s400/readwithme2.jpg" title="read-with-me" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I did well on my birthday a couple of weeks ago. Not only did my eldest daughter surprise me with a book that she'd bought me from her school library, I also bought myself a substantial pile to get through, trouble is deciding which one to read first.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">My favourite post last week came from The Bear &amp; The Fox with her selection of </span><a href="http://www.thebearandthefox.com/2018/01/favourite-scottish-kids-books/" style="text-align: justify;">Scottish kids books</a><span style="text-align: justify;">, a great range.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On to the link up. Newbies do look at the <a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html">Read With Me page</a>, regulars get linking (max of 2 posts/videos), comment on a couple of other posts and perhaps consider displaying my badge of linking back somehow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Read With Me" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" title="Read With Me" width="200" /></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #650777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html" title="Read With Me"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" alt="Read With Me" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /></textarea></pre><br />Happy reading.<br /><br /><link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&amp;owner=MamaMummyMum&amp;postid=29Jan2018&amp;meme=11684" type="text/javascript"></script>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-60653326548670105132018-02-04T00:00:00.000+00:002018-02-04T00:00:15.587+00:00My Sunday Photo 2018 #5 <div style="text-align: justify;">Everyone loves a bunch of flowers right? My lovely friend surprised me with these blooms last week on my birthday and I couldn't be happier with them. I think they brighten up the place and that's definitely what we need at this time of year when it always seems so impossibly dark.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aOCFBUE440/WnLkHke2iEI/AAAAAAAAShk/FZyaDCrt75s-rxVq4aDHtzpIIrnaWxWLACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="flowers" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6aOCFBUE440/WnLkHke2iEI/AAAAAAAAShk/FZyaDCrt75s-rxVq4aDHtzpIIrnaWxWLACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8483.JPG" title="flowers" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-52597656533378246782018-02-03T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-03T09:45:04.748+00:00Give the Gift of Time This Valentine's Day<div style="text-align: justify;">I don't know about you but when it comes to buying for your significant other, I always struggle. We've been together almost fourteen years and honestly it was tough in the beginning to choose him a present, now it seems nearly impossible. This is because he is a man that will always buy what he wants when he wants it so when you ask him what he'd like, even he'll struggle to tell you because he's just bought the latest thing on his wish list.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://ownamoment.com/">Own a Moment</a>&nbsp;are a company which are setting out to change that buy allowing you the buyer to give the gift of time. Now doesn't that sound like the perfect gift to receive this Valentine's day. They are allowing you to capture those treasured moments that you hold so dear and share them with your nearest and dearest in a way that is both special and affordable all at the same time and lets be honest who wouldn't want more time!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BguO7mCEIDQ/Wm7t7BZrckI/AAAAAAAAShM/XO_eTi4BTVYBr5uAcZyyF5Kx3kQw5a_lwCLcBGAs/s1600/ownamoment.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="own-a-moment" border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1000" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BguO7mCEIDQ/Wm7t7BZrckI/AAAAAAAAShM/XO_eTi4BTVYBr5uAcZyyF5Kx3kQw5a_lwCLcBGAs/s400/ownamoment.png" title="own-a-moment" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The way it works is this. On the site you pick a significant moment in your life, choosing the year, month, day and the time including whether it was am and pm, if you can't remember the exact time you can of course give a rough suggestion. If your moment is available you will then have the option to upload an image, one that perhaps gives special meaning to this moment as well as personalising with the name of your chosen recipient and a message too.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As well as all of this personalisation, you can also choose whether to have the certificate emailed or posted, you can even choose to have it delivered in a deluxe frame, making it a complete gift. When you've finished ordering your moment will be certified and uploaded to the Official Time Registry, so it is essentially a gift that will actually last forever. You will then be able to access the OTR site to view, download and print your certificate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwWHry95YUI/WnLkUAbtVeI/AAAAAAAASho/mk6NwdlXBgc-gQjuVFvrsK1uey-KdGYQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="own-moment-certificate" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwWHry95YUI/WnLkUAbtVeI/AAAAAAAASho/mk6NwdlXBgc-gQjuVFvrsK1uey-KdGYQwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8485.JPG" title="own-moment-certificate" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was lucky enough to be asked if I would like to capture my own moment for the purposes of this review. Out of all the moments I have spent with my husband, my favourite moment had to be my wedding day and the picture that I picked to coincide with my message was a little montage of both photographs from our wedding day and items from the day itself too. I haven't shared my moment in this post as I don't want my hubby to see his gift.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The certificate came wonderfully gift wrapped, this is charged as an extra (£2.99) but is something I'd highly recommend as it is the perfect finishing touch to an already special gift. This is definitely a gift with a difference, a great way of remembering those moments and also a way of reminding us that time is a special thing, to cherish. What I also liked about it is that it made me sit and reminisce whilst contemplating the ideal moment in time to capture.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cvr5YQ6Qbg/WnLkZtlLi7I/AAAAAAAAShs/WlbsdG5NePgzBqLK-btVEjTg0AqOviuAQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="valentines-gift" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cvr5YQ6Qbg/WnLkZtlLi7I/AAAAAAAAShs/WlbsdG5NePgzBqLK-btVEjTg0AqOviuAQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8484.JPG" title="valentines-gift" width="640" /></a></div><br />With prices starting from £23.50, this is the perfect present for any occasion. Whether it is a birthday, an anniversary or purely because you feel in the giving mood. Own a Moment is allowing you to share something with people that made a moment in time so utterly special for you and them, it is a gift that will stand out and be remembered.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Whilst thinking about giving the gift of time it would be lovely if you could also take the time to check out <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ownamoment/">Own a Moment's Facebook page</a>. You'll want to be the first to see future products and ideas that they have to offer!</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-26618689992638512292018-02-02T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-02T09:22:53.864+00:00Presents, a Feeling of Love and a New Month #LittleLoves<div style="text-align: justify;">After last week being a complete write off with most of my family ended up being poorly in one way or another, I was sort of looking forward to Monday and starting this week off with a clean slate as such. Ok I still felt relatively nauseous at the beginning, I think mostly due to the fact my appetite hadn't really returned but now I'm running on at least ninety percent and I am hoping we can enjoy our weekend instead of hiding out at home.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My birthday last Saturday was an utterly wasted day not only because I was still ill but also because I didn't have all my family with me as my ten year old was out for the weekend with one of her friends. So I'd like to have a re-run (that's allowed right?), a chance to actually get out and have a nice family day without any unnecessary dramas, a dinner out perhaps where I don't feel full after the first mouthful!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As my energy has returned I've had the chance to have a real look through all my gifts from last week and they've sort of formulated my little loves this week.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Read</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It comes as no surprise that I what a lot of people will call a book worm so an ideal present to give me is of course books. My eldest daughter surprised me on my big day with a book she had bought from her school library. This for one was totally unexpected as she'd never got me a gift off her own steam before and two, was so sneaky! She'd managed to not only get it into the house undetected, she'd also wrapped it up and kept the secret all week (my lot tend to blab about my presents).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This was one of those times I felt like tearing up as it was such a thoughtful thing to do, she had done the same for her sister a couple of days before that but it never occurred to me that she might do the same for her mum too. As well as that book, I may have ordered a substantial pile of new novels from Amazon courtesy of my husband. The problem I have now, is deciding which one to read first as they all sound rather enthralling.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Watched</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I carried on my binge watching of Friends this week, I've now recruited my children into watching it with me too, even if they don't understand all of the jokes. It is one of those shows that never gets old, the humour very much still as relevant now as it was back then. Even though I know exactly what is coming I still find myself proper belly laughing at the punch lines. I'm only onto season three so I still have plenty of episodes to watch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNFNAjZKxWg/WnLj7IvQFhI/AAAAAAAAShg/CLqWIMBhBSUxi0So0WexuBMl56OMUCbkgCLcBGAs/s1600/friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="friends" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNFNAjZKxWg/WnLj7IvQFhI/AAAAAAAAShg/CLqWIMBhBSUxi0So0WexuBMl56OMUCbkgCLcBGAs/s640/friends.jpg" title="friends" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br />The other thing I've been watching this week was another birthday present to myself. I bought the newest Joe Wicks work out DVD, Lean in 15. I'm a huge fan of his HIIT workouts, I began watching them through his You Tube channel a couple of years back and his exercise routines are still my go to. This DVD is just as good as his first. Fast pace and intense, you feel like you've run a marathon in very little time. Ideal for someone like me who never seems to have enough hours in the day.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Heard</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Something I have heard a lot this week are the words, "are you feeling better now?". I think every person I've spoke to has asked the same thing. Whilst it is very nice of them to show their concern, it is has left me wondering whether I still look poorly, I mean I have a pale complexion at the best of times so it wouldn't surprise me. But when people keep asking the question it feels like ground hog day because there I am with the same reply each time too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wore</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b>Money was something that I was kindly given on my birthday so of course I needed to spend it. One of the things I chose was a bottle of perfume from Primark. I was surprised just how nice some of their fragrances smelt and at such a small cost too. The scents last well on my body and at a fraction of the price of some of the more expensive perfumes available, I'd highly recommend them. Their body sprays are just as nice too although I will admit I've been eyeing up the Victoria Secret one's in B&amp;M too.<br /><br />Another thing I have been wearing this week to is the celestial moisturiser from Lush. I went in there last week to get a recommendation on what to use on my face as it has become awfully dry with more spots than I've ever had and this is the product they suggested I try. And to show just how good their customer service is, they didn't try to push me into buying it, instead giving me a small tub to take home for free to trial to see if it actually helps. My skin is definitely softer so I think I'll be persuaded to go and buy myself a larger tub.<br /><br /><b>Made</b><br /><b><br /></b>Well I haven't gone around baking or making anything spectacularly creative in the past few days. What I have made is a slow recovery from feeling more than a tad under the weather this week and well I believe that's good enough, I mean we can't be Pinterest perfect every day now can we. I think being ill actually showed me that I need to slow it down a little sometimes, or at the very least be willing to ask for a little help.<br /><br />I'm the worst for that, even when poorly I still want to be up and doing everything, which obviously doesn't help with the getting better process. I felt awful having to have time off of work last week because to me it meant letting people down when in reality they'd prefer that I rest up and obviously not bring my germs near them. So I guess you could say I've made a bit of a break through with myself lately.<br /><br /><b>And lastly</b><br /><b><br /></b>Can I just say, how is it February already. I think I say it year on year but the time is already flying by! I've seen a lot of people complaining just how long January seems to be but I guess with so many birthdays to contend with the month doesn't drag for me like it does for others. I'm personally on count down for the half term holiday as I'd like some proper time to spend with my girls rather than just time spent doing homework etc.<br /><br />How was everyone else's January? Long, short, slow or fast. What have been your ultimate highlights for 2018 so far?</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-91014626919181418972018-02-01T06:00:00.000+00:002018-02-01T06:00:37.003+00:00Making Smarter Choices With the Food Scanner App from Change4Life<div style="text-align: justify;">When I was younger I never really thought about what I ate. I remember my mum always telling me that I needed to eat my fruit and veg but you know how it is when you're a child, you always seem to take what your parents say with a pinch of salt. Since becoming a mother myself, now I can see just what my own mum was trying to do, it wasn't that she wanted me to miss out on treats, it was more about having a balanced diet.<br /><br />These days there is more of a focus on the foods our children eat, and this is because of all those hidden nasties, the sugars, the salts and the saturated fats. I've always thought that my own kids ate reasonably well. Yes, they have certain junk foods like chocolate, crisps, biscuits and chips but I have always tried to balance this out by making sure that they have fruit or vegetables with every meal and getting them to alternate their snacks so they'll get one healthier one if not fruit then something like cereal bars and then they get to have sweets or chocolate for the other.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V2CPre17WOk/WmgzkTyFrBI/AAAAAAAASfw/dqluAWXlNUc-ArzfsEnnO2lJmZE86DY2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="change4life-food-scanner-app" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V2CPre17WOk/WmgzkTyFrBI/AAAAAAAASfw/dqluAWXlNUc-ArzfsEnnO2lJmZE86DY2wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8430.JPG" title="change4life-food-scanner-app" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now in recent months we've seen it suggested that our children should be eating two snacks a day, containing no more than 100 calories each, this is the next step in tackling growing obesity problems in our younger generation. To help with this, Change4Life have recently developed their Food Scanner app. The idea of the app is to enable parents to scan the barcodes of the foods and drinks they buy, letting them see just what they contain. The app can then direct you to the NHS website to show alternative ideas which will hopefully get more people making smarter choices.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of course you can scan more than just snack foods but they are certainly a good starting point. The app is free to download on both <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/change4life-food-scanner/id1182946415?mt=8">iOS</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.phe.c4lfoodsmart">Android</a> so last week I decided to download it for myself to see whether my own choices for my kids were as sensible as I thought they were and I'll admit that I was actually surprised at some of the results. If I'm honest, they weren't all quite what I was expecting them to be.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTMf3VX6Hzc/WmgzoPJahVI/AAAAAAAASf0/_OAQK-AfHUMrpgHzV3wzMnim0Q23bmsPgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E8423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="change4life-food-scanner-app-traffic-lights" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VTMf3VX6Hzc/WmgzoPJahVI/AAAAAAAASf0/_OAQK-AfHUMrpgHzV3wzMnim0Q23bmsPgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E8423.JPG" title="change4life-food-scanner-app" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The way the app works is that it tells you using the traffic light system whether the levels of sugar, fat and salt are high, medium or low. It will also tell you whether their are two many calories in your choice and give an illustrated example of just how much sugar, salt, calories or perhaps fat your foods contain. What I really like about the app is that it is accessible to both adults and children. It enables the parents to see just what they are providing their kids with and to also use it as a tool to demonstrate to their child perhaps why they need to make a change.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />You can then visit the <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/change4life">Change4Life site</a> via the NHS to look up sensible alternatives to the foods that you might normally buy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M833jZOJ5lc/Wmgz62KixPI/AAAAAAAASf8/hobcTmBkb1IiOrqpPFnconsDUtEkOm4MACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="change4life-food-scanner-app-sugar-illustration" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M833jZOJ5lc/Wmgz62KixPI/AAAAAAAASf8/hobcTmBkb1IiOrqpPFnconsDUtEkOm4MACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8424.JPG" title="change4life-food-scanner-app" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I first used the app, the initial items I decided to scan were the cereal bars that my children often eat and not just at snack times but at breakfast too. Now on the plus side they came out low for saturated fats and salt but worryingly they scanned high for sugar content. This certainly had me rethinking my choices and got me looking for alternative cereal bars that didn't have so much sugar within them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My next choice for scanning was a tube of crisps. This one I got the kids to do with me, so unsurprisingly the crisps didn't come out well, not the best choice for a snack. To make a point to my children, I then got them to scan my own crisps, my own ones are made from chickpeas and passed the 100-calorie test. So, my snack of choice is indeed healthy but could I persuade the kids to switch their crisps for mine? I actually could! Turns out that they thought mine were just as tasty.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSicJKKXqeY/Wmgzgltw_xI/AAAAAAAASfs/qPANI0Q6hkgpniOH68ldPRQWjjSTIygAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_E8426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="change4life-food-scanner-app" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tSicJKKXqeY/Wmgzgltw_xI/AAAAAAAASfs/qPANI0Q6hkgpniOH68ldPRQWjjSTIygAQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_E8426.JPG" title="change4life-food-scanner-app" width="640" /></a></div><br />Realistically, I'm not going to use the Food Scanner app every time I buy a snack for my kids as I still think they should be allowed a treat sometimes but if the question is do I think I will continue to use it on occasion then my answer would be yes. Being on my phone its simple and convenient to use when out and about so it would take no time to quickly pop it on when in a shop or supermarket.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I do think it it's a rather helpful tool, especially when trying to make healthier choices, so like with my cereal bars, now I know that particular brands aren't especially good for you, I'd use the app to seek out a beneficial alternative. And that goes for drinks too because the smoothies and fruit drinks that we'd guess are a good choice could turn out to be a sugary nightmare.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmP56vY1lAw/WmgzVizVaFI/AAAAAAAASf4/t3HQKxPEP9cIvLbOSuKz5Zu-WIz0xOFtACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_E8428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="change4life-food-scanner-app" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmP56vY1lAw/WmgzVizVaFI/AAAAAAAASf4/t3HQKxPEP9cIvLbOSuKz5Zu-WIz0xOFtACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_E8428.JPG" title="change4life-food-scanner-app" width="640" /></a></div><br />We've already made our first change because of the app, the girls are now eating my crisps as a weekend snack instead of the ones they'd normally choose. They still feel like they're getting a treat because technically they are crisps however I now know that this choice is actually better for their growing bodies than what they were previously eating and it's nice that we all get to eat the same foods. This means that I'm actually saving some money on my shopping bill too which is a nice added bonus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Seen as the app is free to download, you wouldn't be losing anything by downloading it and trying it out and who knows you might change not just your kids' diet but your whole family's diet for the better.</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-30349469799624141542018-01-31T06:00:00.000+00:002018-01-31T06:00:00.566+00:00Dark Game by Rachel Lynch - Book Tour <div style="text-align: justify;">One of the perks of being a book blogger is getting to read novels before they are released to the public. I was recently sent an advance reading copy of Rachel Lynch's debut novel, The Dark Game which subsequently was released this week and now I'm thrilled to be joining in with the book tour to not only tell you a little bit more about the book itself but to share with you my own thoughts on the story too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DWtgmhv78Y/Wl93g5Oy88I/AAAAAAAASeM/uHGWn340qUQY2cQQA_Als3RxOsJsl1ksQCLcBGAs/s1600/Dark%2BGame%2BBlog%2BTour%2BBanner%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dark-game-book-tour-poster" border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9DWtgmhv78Y/Wl93g5Oy88I/AAAAAAAASeM/uHGWn340qUQY2cQQA_Als3RxOsJsl1ksQCLcBGAs/s640/Dark%2BGame%2BBlog%2BTour%2BBanner%2B%25284%2529.png" title="dark-game-tour" width="425" /></a></div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>After a scandal forces D. I. Kelly Porter out of the Met, she returns to her home turf in the Lake District. Crimes in the Cumbrian constabulary tend to be of the minor sort, but Kelly begins work on a cold case that shocked the local community – the abduction and brutal murder of ten-year-old Lottie Davies.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Meanwhile, Kelly is also investigating two seemingly straightforward crimes: a case involving an illegal immigrant, and a robbery following the death of local businessman Colin Day. But evidence comes to light that reveals a web of criminal activity beyond anything Kelly imagined. Behind the veneer of sleepy, touristy towns lies a dark and dangerous underworld. As Kelly threatens to expose those with much to lose, she risks paying the ultimate price to get to the truth…</i><br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Kelly is a D. I. who's moved back to her home town after a long time working with the Met in London, it isn't known in full detail quite why she left her previous job but the author alludes to some sort of wrong doing and a bit of a blame game going on, seems Kelly thought it easier to leave rather than argue.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We get a sense straight from the beginning that Miss Porter is an intelligent, independent woman. Having to momentarily move back in with her mum hasn't stopped her from living the life that she wants to lead and within weeks of coming back to the Lake District, Kelly sees herself at the centre of not one but two cases but the question is do they both lead to the same answers that she requires?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What appear to be straight forward cases, after more investigation and a continuing flow of new evidence, they deepen and what Kelly Porter needs to do is decipher the truth from the lies but will this woman's tough and brave exterior lead her into more trouble than expected? Can she keep herself alive whilst saving the lives of others at the same time?<br /><br /><i>Kelly’s gut turned over as she realised the danger she was in. She heard no sirens. She knew that she was simply collateral. To these men who made a lot of money from the suffering of others, they’d have no problem snuffing her out.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Keep reading for an extract of the book so you can get a better sense of what to expect:<br /><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Chapter 2<br /></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly opened the door as quietly as she could. She felt like a naughty schoolgirl. She even removed her shoes so she could tiptoe in undetected.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When she’d first returned here, three weeks ago, her bedroom was exactly as it had been left when she’d gone off to university nearly twenty years earlier. She’d never come back, except for weekends and holidays.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first thing she’d done was clear out the room. Old posters, books, and bits and pieces went into boxes in the loft. The space was tiny and she wondered how she’d managed as a teenager. Most of the stuff she’d accumulated during her time in London was left in suitcases under the bed. She asked her mum if she could paint the room.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘What’s wrong with it as it is?’ her mum replied.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Nothing, it’s just still pink.’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘And what’s wrong with that? Your sister likes it; you know she always wanted that room.’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘I’m not Nikki, Mum.’ While her sister had played with dolls and worn frills, Kelly had climbed trees and smoked fags with the boys. When her father had painted the room, she’d covered the walls with posters of Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mum didn’t understand her music. ‘Why don’t you like ABBA?’ she had asked. Nikki liked ABBA. Nikki still liked ABBA.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now Kelly started for the stairs.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Kelly?’&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her mother appeared from the kitchen holding a cup of tea and frowning. There was nowhere to hide in the tiny house, and they stood at opposite ends of the hallway that ran the full length of the house, from front door to kitchen.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick. I got up this morning and went to take you a cup of tea and your bed hadn’t been slept in. Why didn’t you call?’ Her mother’s voice rose with each word.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Mum, I’m not used to living with someone else and explaining my every move. I’m really sorry I made you worry. I’m fine, I just stayed over with a friend; it got late and we shared a bottle of wine.’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That look.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘I called your sister.’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘What? Why?’ Kelly was livid. Any moment now, Joan of Arc would waft in with her brood of snot-covered kids and rescue her mother from her wayward, irresponsible daughter. ‘You didn’t need to do that! I’ll call her.’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She rooted for her phone. She’d forgotten she’d switched it to silent in the pub. She had twenty-five missed calls from her mother. She needed to find her own place.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nikki’s phone went straight to voicemail, just as the door opened. Of course, Nikki had a key.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Kelly, you’re OK! Mum was worried sick, weren’t you, Mum?’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Of course I’m OK, I’m a grown-up now.’ Kelly tried to smile.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘How about acting like one then?’ Nikki fired the first shot.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘How about wearing less make-up?’ Kelly responded.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘You’re jealous!’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Fuck off, Nikki.’ They’d gone beyond reasonable conversation years ago and simply fired off insults whenever the opportunity arose, but it was always Kelly’s fault, according to their mother. At least that was the impression she gave.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Just stop it, you two! Why can’t you be civil to one another?’</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They both looked at their mother and hung their heads. Kelly was ashamed. Her mother didn’t look right and she didn’t know if it was tiredness, old age creeping in or something else. It was indisputable, though, that blazing rows wouldn’t help.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Go and have your fights elsewhere! Kelly, you’ve only been back five minutes.’ She was the easier target because she never answered back, unlike Nikki, who poured honey-coated untruths into their mother’s ear.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘Calm down, Mum. I’ll go and make you a cup of tea,’ Nikki soothed.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kelly rolled her eyes. ‘Like I said, Mum, I’m sorry I made you worry.’ She went to her mother and hugged her, and all was forgiven, though no doubt Nikki would stay a while after Kelly left to highlight her errant ways in her absence. Kelly had stopped caring what her sister thought years ago.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She went upstairs heavily, closing her bedroom door behind her, wanting to slam it. She undressed, opened her wardrobe and sighed. She disliked work clothes: they made her feel awkward. She preferred her running gear, or just jeans and a jumper. She pulled on some tights and already imagined taking them off again after another day trussed up like a turkey. She fastened her skirt and tucked in her blouse, feeling like it was her first day at school, when her dad had taught her to do a tie properly on her own for the first time. ‘It’s too tight!’ she’d complained. Her top button never stayed fastened for long.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She checked her make-up in the mirror. It was true, Nikki did wear too much. She looked trashy, like the friends she hung out with, all getting together and moaning about everything and nothing. Kelly reckoned that if Nikki ran out of things to whinge about, she’d write a letter to the council, and eventually the Queen. It baffled her that they were sisters. Nikki’s wet dream would be to meet Robbie Williams; Kelly’s was to do the Four Peaks Challenge in under twenty-four hours. Nikki wore five-inch heels even when she was giving birth; Kelly still wore the same trainers she’d had in uni. Nikki read Danielle Steele; Kelly read John Grisham. Nikki drove a Fiat; Kelly drove a BMW convertible.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It irritated Kelly that her mother had become primary carer for Nikki’s kids. It irked her too that Nikki was advising Mum what to do with the money from Dad’s life insurance, and that included taking her and her kids to Ibiza for two weeks. Even something as apparently insignificant as Nikki strutting around in a designer tracksuit at the age of thirty-nine got under Kelly’s skin, and already the pleasure of the morning was ebbing away.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least when Dad was around, things were more even. Two against two. Mum wasn’t used to making decisions and taking responsibility, and it made her open to suggestion. Kelly had persuaded her to put what was left of the money into a bank account, and arranged an appointment with an adviser to discuss how to invest it and make it pay, rather than just spending it all. That had caused another row, or more accurately, a series of insults hurled across the room until Kelly left to go for a run. It didn’t really matter what she did or said: she was the outsider now, and therefore easy to blame.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She needed to move out to avoid Nikki, but if she did, she would leave Mum exposed and lonely. Her mother had lost the sparkle in her eyes, and she rarely went out other than to shop or take her grandchildren to the park. Since her return, Kelly had forced her to go out. They’d been for coffee and browsed the shops together in Ambleside looking for new walking gear for Kelly; they’d been to the cinema; they’d cooked together, something Mum had forgotten she enjoyed. In three short weeks, they’d created an existence. That all changed when Nikki was around, but there was very little Kelly could do about it. Nikki had been here for Mum when Kelly hadn’t, and her mother wasn’t a child; she had to make her own decisions. There was only so much protection and distraction a daughter could provide. It wasn’t Kelly’s home anymore; she was a lodger with no privacy. Nikki could waltz in at any moment and it made her gasp for air.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She went back downstairs and walked over to her mum, ignoring her sister. ‘I’m sorry, Mum. I’ll let you know what time I’ll be home later, I promise,’ she said.</span><br /><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">‘I’m making you a honey waffle, Mum,’ shouted Nikki, prancing towards the kitchen. Kelly sighed and left the house.&nbsp;</span><br /><br />For a debut novel, I was more than impressed. Well thought out and ultimately thrilling. The story starts off at a good pace and continues to make the reader turn the pages. I think partly because of the storyline itself and partly because of the people included in the story.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The characters created work well, described in a way that I could clearly imagine each one as I progressed through the novel. As the cases seemed to cross paths, even though there was a lot going on, I could easily follow where those paths were leading. I am no police expert but I think the language used and the way activity was presented made what was happening fully believable, something that could easily occur in real life.<br /><br />Anyone who is a fan of the crime genre will find great enjoyment reading Dark Game. Rachel Lynch has written something highly gripping and suspenseful. You'll find yourself constantly questioning how cases which at first glance seem nothing like one another can suddenly run parallel. The question I found myself asking was not who but how.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you like the sound of this book you can follow the rest of the book tour for more book reviews, Q&amp;As, extracts and even a couple of giveaways. I'll leave you now with a link to <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078BX8GGG/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;amp;camp=1634&amp;amp;creative=6738&amp;amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;amp;tag=canelo-21">purchase Dark Game for yourself</a>.</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-74281687762030369042018-01-29T00:00:00.000+00:002018-01-29T06:51:12.093+00:00Read With Me 2018 #4 <div style="text-align: justify;">Hello and welcome to this weeks Read With Me, first question how is it the end of January already? It's another year just flying by isn't it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnd9jPS7RMc/WmDiEGdXIzI/AAAAAAAASec/H5HNItf3P_wDhEJ9OtBTCnT3eWTLHfsIACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="read-with-me badge" border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="200" height="268" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fnd9jPS7RMc/WmDiEGdXIzI/AAAAAAAASec/H5HNItf3P_wDhEJ9OtBTCnT3eWTLHfsIACLcBGAs/s400/readwithme2.jpg" title="read-with-me" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Before I share this weeks favourite post with you, I wanted to talk to you about a company that I've recently started working with. <a href="https://www.barringtonstoke.co.uk/">Barrington Stoke</a> are a company that are making books accessible for everyone, more specifically those diagnosed with dyslexia and for those who simply find reading difficult.</div><a name='more'></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">These award winning books are designed to open up the world of reading to more children, from the age of three right up to those awkward teen years. So anyone from pre-school going up to those at secondary school.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Super-readable, dyslexia-friendly fiction by the best authors in the UK</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The way these books are presented can make a huge difference to how a child sees a book. Subtle differences like making the pages an off white colour instead of bright white, simpler vocabulary, shapely fonts and plenty of breaks in text to allow children time to rest and build an excitement up to read more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Before I got in touch with Barrington Stoke I hadn't heard of books being published in this way but now I have, I'd really like to spread the word because books are such an amazing tool, everybody should have the opportunity to read stories, especially ones written by such fantastic authors like Julia Donaldson and Michael Morpurgo.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"We focus on the action, the emotion and the excitement."</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As well as this post I will be telling my girls' school all about this initiative because wouldn't it be nice to help more children to grow a real love for reading. I hope you'll join me in telling more people. Lets see if we can share some cracking reading and break down the barriers that have built up around those more reluctant readers!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now for more book love, my favourite post last week came from Shell Louise with her review of the novel, <a href="http://www.shelllouise.co.uk/2018/01/stranger-book-review.html">The Stranger</a>.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On to the link up. Newbies do look at the <a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html">Read With Me page</a>, regulars get linking (max of 2 posts/videos), comment on a couple of other posts and perhaps consider displaying my badge of linking back somehow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Read With Me" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" title="Read With Me" width="200" /></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #650777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html" title="Read With Me"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" alt="Read With Me" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /></textarea></pre><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Happy reading</div><link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&amp;owner=MamaMummyMum&amp;postid=25Jan2018&amp;meme=11684" type="text/javascript"></script>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-76707101189403045342018-01-28T00:00:00.000+00:002018-01-28T00:00:31.507+00:00My Sunday Photo 2018 #4<div style="text-align: justify;">Its been a busy week full of birthdays and sickness, not the best combination I know. My poor now 10 year old had to put up with me and one of her sisters being poorly on her birthday. Luckily my eldest managed to take this photograph of her blowing out her candles.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkeYra-CBn8/WmrjnIsNLfI/AAAAAAAASgk/ibd_DINHv4gRH-H1RjofJz3Kez-eMXcBgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EkeYra-CBn8/WmrjnIsNLfI/AAAAAAAASgk/ibd_DINHv4gRH-H1RjofJz3Kez-eMXcBgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8460.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-27915593204986970682018-01-26T06:00:00.000+00:002018-01-26T08:13:53.776+00:00Birthdays, Cakes and Home Improvements #LittleLoves<div style="text-align: justify;">January is a very busy month in our households, we literally have birthday celebrations every week including my older brother, my god son and my mum. And with this is mind it doesn't help that for the past few days I have felt rather under the weather. Having avoided all the germs for so long, my body finally succumbed and I've had a sore throat and ear ache topped up with a lovely cold and a continual changing of going from hot to cold oh and then there's the sickness bug that set in Wednesday night.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But as parents we soldier on don't we because life doesn't stop does it. I still had a birthday cake to make and presents to wrap on top of the normal day to day goings on. I'm one of these people that is always on count down for the weekend but this week I was willing Saturday to be here right from the moment that I opened my eyes on Monday morning. Sadly it didn't arrive any quicker but I made it and still managed to find time for this weeks <a href="https://coffeeworksleeprepeat.com/category/little-loves/littleloves18/">#LittleLoves</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Read</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I won't keep moaning about illness but with everything else came a headache so I didn't read an awful lot myself. In fact at one point I thought I wouldn't be able to read at all when I couldn't find my trusty Kindle. Luckily it decided to reappear in that first place I looked and my panic was over. One book that did read was Genuine Fraud by E Lockhart. I'd actually been sent this via Netgalley last year but I've only just found the time to sit down and start reading it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf9Dr_G7ZuY/Wmrh5PZGpOI/AAAAAAAASgU/_-aJRhtzmXckw9cTxstA9CPsxljazrSkwCLcBGAs/s1600/genuine%2Bfraud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="genuine-fraud" border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="950" height="358" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf9Dr_G7ZuY/Wmrh5PZGpOI/AAAAAAAASgU/_-aJRhtzmXckw9cTxstA9CPsxljazrSkwCLcBGAs/s640/genuine%2Bfraud.jpg" title="genuine-fraud" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Someone who has been reading more is my youngest daughter. She's just started doing accelerated reading rests at school to check that she's understanding exactly what she is reading when she brings books home and I was so pleased to see that in her first test she managed to get five out of five, one of those proud mummy moments. She was most impressed herself and was making a point of showing everyone her certificate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Watched</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After starting the second season of The Crown at the end of last year, I eventually got around to watching the rest of it. I did as most would call binge watch it, I got through 8 episodes in a couple of days. I find it a fascinating series, and it makes me wonder how aware the Royal family actually are of all the content because I'm sure there are parts they'd rather people weren't privy to. It has definitely made me want to look into their history more.<br /><br />Another fantastic series I started to re-watch this week was Friends. A classic comedy and I am so glad that Netflix finally put it on there. It's one of those programmes that I could literally watch over and over, simple viewing with jokes that never seem to get old. My husband however doesn't agree with me and he refuses to watch it with me so I'm having to wait until he goes to sleep at night before I can enjoy an episode or two.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Heard</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What have I heard this week? Well I've heard a lot of banging and crashing because we had the windows at the front of our house and our front door this week changed. We've wanted them changed since we moved in three years ago but at the time we couldn't afford it. The previous owners had installed windows with awful brown frames and it made the house look ever so dated, very old fashioned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We opted for simple white UPVC windows and a lovely grey front door. Much more simple and modern looking and more in-keeping with the rest of the houses in our street. Unfortunately they mucked up the order and we currently have a white front door instead of a grey one. However it's made an instant to the look of the house, definitely pleased with the outcome so far. The sounds of them being installed and the cold from having no windows for a few hours was definitely worth it. Now we're just waiting on a replacement door and having new carpets put in.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Made</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I mentioned at the beginning of the post that there have been quite a few birthdays this month. Last week I made a birthday cake for my mum, a simple date and walnut cake with a cream cheese icing. That went down a treat with both my mum and my eldest as for both of them it is their favourite flavourings. Well this week it was my second eldest's turn to have a birthday cake made. She turned ten yesterday (another child in double figures, how did that happen?).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsKzxkSaew/WmrjIwvrHRI/AAAAAAAASgg/4fk-LL5Z88sGo_jDxGoq8Ke2u5Uj3BU0ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="birthday-cake" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcsKzxkSaew/WmrjIwvrHRI/AAAAAAAASgg/4fk-LL5Z88sGo_jDxGoq8Ke2u5Uj3BU0ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8449.JPG" title="birthday-cake" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now she had all sorts of ideas on the type of cake she'd like. She spends a lot of time watching cake making videos on You Tube, what she fails to realise is that I'm no professional and despite my best efforts, my cakes will never look as good as theirs and for that reason I daren't take on anything to complicated. In the end it was a choice between something to do with cakes and biscuits or pick and mix. You'll see below what I opted for.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm secretly pleased with how it turned out, it actually looked more or less how I pictured it in my head and I'm reliably informed that it tasted good so I'll take that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>And lastly...</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With all of this talk about birthdays I thought it was only fair to mention that tomorrow happens to be my birthday. I'm due to go out for an Indian with some old work friends in the evening but I think I'll be spending my day walking round shops while my now ten year old spends her birthday money. But it's ok because there has been mention of a Starbucks so I guess if I have a coffee in hand then I will be alright.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And you never know, the hubby might treat me to some presents while we're out too. I feel Primark calling!</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-14306407262691048782018-01-24T06:30:00.000+00:002018-01-24T07:02:48.669+00:00It's All About the Little Black Shoes<div style="text-align: justify;">We've all heard about the little black dress but what about the little black shoes, you know the ones that can make any outfit complete, the ones you just know will go with what you're wearing. A classic that just won't go out of style. Now I already have my fair share of black shoes but when JD Williams got in touch to see if I'd like to review a pair or two of shoes/boots from their site, well as a sort of addict when it comes to buying shoes, I just couldn't resist.<br /><br />A pair of shoes can make or break your outfit. They have the power to bring your look together as one, to make a statement. They don't always have to be bold to make a difference. Sometimes it is the simpler styles that actually look the best. Or if your clothing is kept simple a patterned shoe can suddenly make a piece of clothing look more expensive than what it really is. It's about knowing your own style and making the shoes work for you.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />With a wide selection of shoes, boots and trainers in their footwear selection, it was hard to decide on what ones I could see myself wearing. In the end I decided to think of the occasions I'd like to wear them for. Casual day to day wear, work hours and of course those rare times that I get to go out and party. By the time I had been looking at their site for a what my husband will tell you was hours, I managed to narrow my selections down to just four pairs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b-8lUoFdKY/WmgvM6y_lPI/AAAAAAAASfM/JQ6tTGX8RaMIboeHYpw0tVRs_jXZzEvFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b-8lUoFdKY/WmgvM6y_lPI/AAAAAAAASfM/JQ6tTGX8RaMIboeHYpw0tVRs_jXZzEvFQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8346.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I opted for a pair of flats for work, two pairs of boots, one more casual and one slightly smarter and a simple pair of sandals for going out out. You can see more of the selection <a href="http://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/footwear/partywear/_/N-124hZ1ytvwfl/products/show.action">available here</a>. Something I noticed when making my choices was that there was footwear for all budgets and all seasons, literally something for everyone. You don't have to stick to the little black shoe, you could perhaps go for something brighter depending on your own personality.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My eldest daughter was rather impressed with my choices too, especially when she realised that the pair of ballet shoe that I had chosen actually fit her feet as well, at least I know where that pair will be if I can't find them in my wardrobe! There's a great attention to detail with these, a lovely floral pattern hidden amongst sequins, I find them quite understated.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtVmHHz7je8/WmgvX9ItbMI/AAAAAAAASfU/Frhkg7HDt14gpOfbGpW6KxyoHq3G1hM7wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtVmHHz7je8/WmgvX9ItbMI/AAAAAAAASfU/Frhkg7HDt14gpOfbGpW6KxyoHq3G1hM7wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8350.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now my favourite pair is actually the more casual boots I chose. In the colder months I live in boots and it seemed like fate when I got asked to do this because my then trusty pair of boots had started falling apart, literally. Being on my feet all day, I need my boots to be comfortable but I don't want to scrimp on style, the platform on the front of these makes them ideal and the added buckles give them a sort of biker look.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On to the other pair of boots that I chose, these are what the kids would call totally in right now. With the added embroidery and velvet material, you can team them with a pair of skinny jeans or trousers or pop them on with your favourite dress, completely on trend.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h87q7hNhY30/WmgvUBKZ9NI/AAAAAAAASfQ/x4m8t1ilelsnajAfKRzDSFeVMekeWBsnwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h87q7hNhY30/WmgvUBKZ9NI/AAAAAAAASfQ/x4m8t1ilelsnajAfKRzDSFeVMekeWBsnwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The final pair are simple and effortless. A timeless classic. The barely there sandal works for all occasions and this pair for me are perfect. The heel height isn't too high, what is described as a mid heel. The straps sit just where you need them to and you know if you're struggling to find another pair of sandals to work with an outfit, then these will always be there as a back up when needed. This is THE pair of little black shoes that you'll want in your shoe collection.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Whether you are a flats type of girl, a sophisticated woman that won't be seen without heels on, or someone who likes variety, JD Williams has the perfect little black shoe for you, the question is will it be the one pair or will you be needing a bigger wardrobe?&nbsp;</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-76850332245542986152018-01-24T06:00:00.000+00:002018-01-24T06:00:04.035+00:00The Girls by Emma Cline - January Book of the Month<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a while since I've read a book slowly, not because I couldn't get into it but because I wanted to saviour the words on the page. This is precisely what I done with Emma Cline's book, The Girls. It wasn't until I read a review from a fellow blogger that I even heard of the novel, let alone the author but her thoughts on the story compelled me to read it myself. The busyness of the festive period meant that I only got around to delving into the tale this month but I can tell you now it was well worth the wait.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XCJT2C_Ggo/Wk0kS_gvjTI/AAAAAAAASbM/y1n2SJLJq_oH80QDsGPUNKUjP_C6qgCGACLcBGAs/s1600/the-girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="the-girls-emma-cline" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_XCJT2C_Ggo/Wk0kS_gvjTI/AAAAAAAASbM/y1n2SJLJq_oH80QDsGPUNKUjP_C6qgCGACLcBGAs/s320/the-girls.jpg" title="the-girls-emma-cline" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Evie Boyd is fourteen and desperate to be noticed. It's the summer of 1969 and restless, empty days stretch ahead of her. Until she sees them. The girls. Hair long and uncombed, jewellery catching the sun. And at their centre, Suzanne, black-haired and beautiful.</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>If not for Suzanne, she might not have gone. But intoxicated by her and the life she promises, Evie follows the girls back to the decaying ranch where they live.</i></div><a name='more'></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>Was there a warning? A sign of what was coming? Or did Evie know already that there was no way back?</i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is Evie's story, a coming of age story of sorts, told both in the past and present, it tells of of more olden day, care free times and just how certain moments in time can shape your future self without you even knowing it.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Split into four parts, it begins with a description of 'those girls' that managed to capture a then teenage girls attention, an adolescence struggling through those awkward teenage years, looking to be noticed, to feel not so alone as she navigates her way through a sea of hormones and emotions and then a cryptic scene where you get the sense that something terrible is about to happen, quite what we don't know yet.<br /><br />We then revert back to present day when a now adult Evie is lodging at a friends house, seemingly plodding through life with no real sense of purpose, almost as lost as she appeared to be way back when she was a mear fourteen years old.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With each part of the novel we are presented with more details, Evie's feelings of events happening now tying in with things that happened in her past.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Had she been part of a cult?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Did she know how things would turn out when she stepped foot on the ranch all those years ago?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What Emma Cline has created with The Girls is something almost poetic. The words on the pages so well thought out, intelligent and engaging. The story itself is slow burning, but even with such a slowed pace, I found myself wanting to turn the pages at a rapid rate, a need to find out just how it would all end, both in past and present.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Something that makes this novel quite unique is the fact that there isn't a girl loves boy thing going on, if anything it gives an insight into the idea of experimentation, because Evie's main fascination is with Suzanne, not the men that appear in her life. The ending is almost left up to interpretation, it's up to the reader to determine just how things did and could pan out for this quite complicated character.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Girls is a beautiful piece of literature. One that captures your attention from beginning to end. Unexpected and thrilling, a must read in my opinion.&nbsp;</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-86418238247597484292018-01-22T00:00:00.000+00:002018-01-22T00:00:17.983+00:00Read With Me 2018 #3<div style="text-align: justify;">Hello and welcome to this weeks Read With Me. After setting a Goodreads reading target last week or 52 books, one for each week. I have to admit I have already cheated, I read two books in one week, just couldn't help myself. At least I'm on target though right!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQhKUg5WRpY/WlxflwrkFII/AAAAAAAASd4/bmY9hGM7C1AcSEcTqQ5hshG4L4NUjrO1wCLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="read-with-me-badge" border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="200" height="268" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQhKUg5WRpY/WlxflwrkFII/AAAAAAAASd4/bmY9hGM7C1AcSEcTqQ5hshG4L4NUjrO1wCLcBGAs/s400/readwithme2.jpg" title="read-with-me" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Swings in roundabouts though doesn't it because I also have weeks where I really don't feel like reading at all, especially if I've previously been engrossed in a long novel, you end up feeling like you need a break.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">My favourite post from last week comes from someone who says she doesn't read a lot but when she adds in all the books she reads for her job as well as for leisure, her list definitely rivals mine. Sarah shared last week the novels that she <a href="http://mumofthreeworld.com/2018/01/what-i-read-in-2017.html">read last year </a>and there are some really good ones in there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">On to the link up. Newbies do look at the <a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html">Read With Me page</a>, regulars get linking (max of 2 posts/videos), comment on a couple of other posts and perhaps consider displaying my badge of linking back somehow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="padding: 5px;"><img alt="Read With Me" border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" title="Read With Me" width="200" /></div><pre style="background: none; border: none; padding: 0;"><textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #650777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 7px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://www.mamamummymum.co.uk/p/read-with-me.html" title="Read With Me"><img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4feg80A1eS4/WVfCdnnEgII/AAAAAAAARes/Q__01GrJg2sngyxn8Oe0OXdNZAlWuDsRACLcBGAs/s1600/readwithme.jpg" alt="Read With Me" style="border:none;" /></a></div><br /></textarea></pre><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Happy reading.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><link href="//www.blenza.com/linkies/styles/default.css" media="all" rel="stylesheet" type="text/css"></link><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/loc_en.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/opt_defaults.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/misterlinky.js"></script><script src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?mode=standard&amp;owner=MamaMummyMum&amp;postid=15Jan2018&amp;meme=11684" type="text/javascript"></script>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-372777324917693622018-01-21T00:00:00.000+00:002018-01-21T00:00:04.952+00:00My Sunday Photo 2018 #3<div style="text-align: justify;">With the colder temperatures, the wind and the rain, there hasn't been much to tempt me outdoors these past couple of weeks. I'll be honest I would have been quite content to hibernate until the warmer weather decides to make an appearance. However there was a glimpse of something better the other afternoon and it was one of the sights you just had to capture quickly before it disappeared again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ok it was still freezing outside but the sun had been shining for most of the day (I know I'm as shocked as you) and it left behind a wonderful glow in the sky. I'd captured something very similar last year and it's one of those views that makes you think, now isn't that pretty and just a little bit dramatic looking.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4xUW3fLsnM/WmIGEmRmneI/AAAAAAAASe8/B-AiJE1MLh8Vv6kNkti_FrYr9wIf0BNGACLcBGAs/s1600/B704D1D8-9A7F-4421-8468-CC7DBE255EE9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sky-porn" border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m4xUW3fLsnM/WmIGEmRmneI/AAAAAAAASe8/B-AiJE1MLh8Vv6kNkti_FrYr9wIf0BNGACLcBGAs/s640/B704D1D8-9A7F-4421-8468-CC7DBE255EE9.JPG" title="sky-porn" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-73509018448497689132018-01-19T06:00:00.000+00:002018-01-19T06:36:46.711+00:00Certificates, Waffles and Keeping Warm #LittleLoves<div style="text-align: justify;">I think I'm finally getting into the swing of things this year now. The early wake ups aren't bothering me half as much now and dare I say it, I'm starting to enjoy exercising again although I could really do with the temperatures warming up because I'll admit, I've taken to working out in my pyjamas most mornings because it is just far too cold to wear the exercise gear thatI'd prefer to put on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The kids are in a routine with school, the youngest two have started a multi-sports club at school on a Thursday afternoon so they're doing their bit to stay active too, not that they're ever really that still when at home any way. Although my eldest would of course prefer at least an extra hour in bed every morning.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But here's what else I can share with you this week:<br /><br /><b>Read</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first thing I read was actually from late last week. I got a letter in the post (and it wasn't a bill), what I found inside was a certificate for my eldest daughter and a letter of congratulations informing us that a poem her school had submitted for a competition had been chosen to be published in a book next month. This topped off her week as the same day she'd also been chosen for a part in her class play that she'd been desperate to get.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylc-BpI63XE/WljHCX0vL8I/AAAAAAAAScY/jTBM5cW98wUn4LyEiAN3U38WZr2K0DwMACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="certificate" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ylc-BpI63XE/WljHCX0vL8I/AAAAAAAAScY/jTBM5cW98wUn4LyEiAN3U38WZr2K0DwMACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8378.JPG" title="certificate" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now onto actual book reading. I'm a person that used to read at least three to four books a week. I was always in a rush to grab the next novel. But the problem with that was that I wasn't really taking in the stories properly. Not like my eldest that can tell you every character and every detail from all of the tales that she decides to read. So, I made the conscious decision this year to slow down my reading pace.<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Trying to stick to just one book a week, this I hoped would put a little more enjoyment back into reading and I'm pleased to say it has. The latest book that I finished was Tower of Dawn by Sarah J Maas, part of a the huge Throne of Glass series. These books get better with each one that I read and to be honest at over six hundred pages long, it is no surprise that this one took me a full week to read!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Watched</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started watching a series on Netflix, I think it was actually made by channel 4, it is called The End of a F***ing World . The episodes are only around 20 minutes long, perfect for someone like me who struggles to stay awake these days, go figure seen as when I actually go to bed I'm wide awake! Anyway, the show is certainly different, quirky and myself and my husband found it highly funny. A lot of sarcasm and wit which is exactly we are like ourselves.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Heard</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have you heard Justin Timberlake's new song? If not why not? But seriously I have been playing this on repeat, this man can do no wrong in my eyes I mean he is rather nice to look at to isn't he so it's a win win right there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The other song I've been listening to a lot is Feel It Still . I was surprised to learn that it's actually a man singing the song, mind blown. All the time I'd previously been listening to it, I could have sworn it was a woman belting out the lyrics.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Wore</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b>Hats! Need I say more. I've felt so cold the past couple of weeks. Now I am a hat person, I do like to wear them out of the house quite often but these last few days my hats have become a permanent fixture on my head. I haven't even been polite enough to take them off when indoors for fear of becoming colder than I already am.<br /><br />My hat of choice at the moment has to be the bobble hat which luckily I have in a variety of colours. My favourite being my baby pink one that my mum got me from Primark for Christmas. A lot of people say that they don't wear hats not because they don't want to but because they think that they won't suit them. I quite frankly couldn't care less if I actually suit them or not, as long as I remain cosy and warm (or ok hiding the hair that I haven't washed), then I will continue to wear them, at least until spring arrives.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Made</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For Christmas one of the presents my girls got between them was a waffle maker. Well if I'm being precise it actually makes waffles, cake pops and doughnuts, but for us it is all about the waffles. Seen as we've passed the midway point of January I thought it was hight time that we got it out of the box and attempt to use it. My second eldest helped me to make the batter, she's definitely a baker in the making and then the cooking process began</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16ykZk4cFx4/WljIEY6CMKI/AAAAAAAASck/FT45BWGZ_QQsTPbEXm8RJOhTGW30A7fCgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16ykZk4cFx4/WljIEY6CMKI/AAAAAAAASck/FT45BWGZ_QQsTPbEXm8RJOhTGW30A7fCgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8335.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">You'll be pleased to know that it worked. Lovely full size waffles. My only problem is that it took so long to cook them. Each waffle needed around 6 minutes to cook and then you needed to allow the machine to heat up so I've now made the executive decision to only use it at the weekends when we're not running around like headless chickens trying to get out of the door on time for school again (you know the one).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />I am now also trying to find recipes for a healthier version of the waffle, so if anyone has one or knows of a good one can you please let me know.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>And lastly...</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />It's been a week of preparation for lots of different things. My mums birthday is Sunday so I needed to bake a cake for her and it's one of my daughter's birthdays next week so I've been trying my best to get everything organised for that. She's having a sleep over with friends today which meant even more things for me to get ready. Wish me luck for tonight as they'll be two extra girls in the house so six including my four. The husband is quite sensibly escaping and going to the pub.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to a glass or three of wine tomorrow in celebration of getting through another week. We're still making our way through the left over alcohol from Christmas, I even found a bonus bottle of wine on top of the fridge!<br /><br />Happy weekend everyone.</div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-798203692536483855.post-2336882001443398762018-01-17T06:00:00.000+00:002018-01-17T06:00:05.255+00:00Star Wars: The Last Jedi Toy Review <div style="text-align: justify;">My first question to you as I begin this post has to be have you seen Star Wars: The Last Jedi yet? I have and I have to admit it didn't rate in my top three Star Wars films but it was seeing Carrie Fisher on screen again and to have a few questions answered. My youngest on the other hand really loved it and honestly that's the opinion that counts isn't it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PszhbPVyTWQ/WltNC4N7T5I/AAAAAAAASc0/-VOj9CXLkc8zk8f73Rd4l-jDubtYnuUCQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PszhbPVyTWQ/WltNC4N7T5I/AAAAAAAASc0/-VOj9CXLkc8zk8f73Rd4l-jDubtYnuUCQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now of course with any Star Wars film comes an abundance of merchandise and that includes some fantastic toys for kids. We were kindly sent a huge bundle of toys to coincide with the release of the movie and the You Tube mini series, Star Wars Forces of Destiny. The bundle included:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Force Link with figure</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Interactech Kylo Ren&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Path of the Force Lightsaber&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Forces of Destiny figure</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rey of Jakku Extendable Staff<br /><a name='more'></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All the toys are roughly aimed at children (and adults) aged 6+ but my smallest daughter is only 5 years old and she was the first one to get stuck in and playing with the toys. The quick favourite became the Rey of Jakku extendable staff, mostly because it meant that she could once again put on her Rey costume, I was also instructed that I needed to put her hair up to match the character as well, she was certainly ready to defend the galaxy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLSAYD27woY/WltNOqaXruI/AAAAAAAASc4/PaFSeSSsnuUt1CxZWr6DGyCbP1qNesUAwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gLSAYD27woY/WltNOqaXruI/AAAAAAAASc4/PaFSeSSsnuUt1CxZWr6DGyCbP1qNesUAwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8239.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYM2II11Euw/WltNRBCzE9I/AAAAAAAASc8/5K-BBLPUTWwAPCAWmFn3EvbKp8YIupgBACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pYM2II11Euw/WltNRBCzE9I/AAAAAAAASc8/5K-BBLPUTWwAPCAWmFn3EvbKp8YIupgBACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8247.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Team this up with the Bladebuilders Path of the Force Lightsaber and you'll definitely find your kids having an imaginary battle. What makes this Lightsaber so good is that it can be changed from Jedi to Sith depending which connector piece you put on it. The question will be who's side are you fighting for? Will the lights flash blue or red?&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CddL4LhUULQ/WltNYcTcbdI/AAAAAAAASdA/N1GvVx6PUrIBAMm8iextkd6u3NnsMNKrQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CddL4LhUULQ/WltNYcTcbdI/AAAAAAAASdA/N1GvVx6PUrIBAMm8iextkd6u3NnsMNKrQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8394.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsAhwiik9g4/WltNZ8BWJfI/AAAAAAAASdE/NZ8JPzeOOk4wnydvhzV8QI4HRN81UaxOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EsAhwiik9g4/WltNZ8BWJfI/AAAAAAAASdE/NZ8JPzeOOk4wnydvhzV8QI4HRN81UaxOACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8397.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now there are two other&nbsp; toys in our bundle that haven't been put down since they came through the door. First up is the Interactech Kylo Ren. With over 60 different sound effects and phrases, removable mask and weapon, it is so much like the character from the film that what mine have been doing is using him alongside Rey's Staff and the Lightsaber to join in with their intergalactic battles. The figure cleverly uses a motion sensor to respond to specific movements and activate what my kids call epic battle effects.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkTH3SefXKw/WltOCy4WL7I/AAAAAAAASdk/zSvdrtIkhoIqor7xiTaM3HdrYBXqRmigACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PkTH3SefXKw/WltOCy4WL7I/AAAAAAAASdk/zSvdrtIkhoIqor7xiTaM3HdrYBXqRmigACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8235.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5zWXdl3YWE/WltNy7r2AtI/AAAAAAAASdc/KF5m-KsJUSQFdfYvgfUV36usvKHtXMjHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_E8242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5zWXdl3YWE/WltNy7r2AtI/AAAAAAAASdc/KF5m-KsJUSQFdfYvgfUV36usvKHtXMjHgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_E8242.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And second is the Star Was Forces of Destiny Rey of Jakkuu poseable doll, complete with the cutest little BB-8. She's gone hand in hand with Kylo Ren and of course it is up to your child/ren whether these characters fight against one another or decide to join forces for the greater good. Perhaps you can start coming up with how they want the 9th film to pan out, will the rebels win or is something darker in sight?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqW6Pj9eLLU/WltNr3gWcoI/AAAAAAAASdU/WjppsoMCNU4LUeD5ICHNJHQlz6-tsINAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_E8250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqW6Pj9eLLU/WltNr3gWcoI/AAAAAAAASdU/WjppsoMCNU4LUeD5ICHNJHQlz6-tsINAwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_E8250.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With so many presents received at Christmas the girls have struggled to find the time to play with all the toys sent to us but I wanted to show you everything in our bundle. Yet to be played with is the Force Link wearable technology. This can be used to activate lights, sounds, and phrases in Force Link-activated figures, accessories, vehicles and even play-sets so it has multiple uses which means different game play each time you pop it on.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAS0S0hOskM/WltOXjsaY_I/AAAAAAAASdo/F3EFyV6i9ac7qnbkclGSHMusOsY6iuBHQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAS0S0hOskM/WltOXjsaY_I/AAAAAAAASdo/F3EFyV6i9ac7qnbkclGSHMusOsY6iuBHQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_8398.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What I love about all of these toys is that they are accessible for everyone. Simple to use and play with, ideal whether you are a boy or a girl, young or old and there are endless possibilities of fun each time you pick them up. Play alone or play with family and friends, they keep the magic of the movie going long after you've left the cinema.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLwLq7E8u5Y/WltNiXlGk6I/AAAAAAAASdg/3WSSZSxySOYCE7VokfevMER79MpbM1OewCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_8252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLwLq7E8u5Y/WltNiXlGk6I/AAAAAAAASdg/3WSSZSxySOYCE7VokfevMER79MpbM1OewCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_8252.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div>MamaMummyMumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10829009107898468171noreply@blogger.com0